Dorset communities find lifeline through zero-waste enterprise and a van called Olive

A zero waste enterprise is proving to be a lifeline for the elderly and vulnerable during the coronavirus lockdown.

‘Our Planet Zero Waste’ based in Wimborne, Dorset, sells waste- and plastic-free household and personal care products and dried food. Its recently launched home delivery service is proving a huge help to some of those most in need in rural communities.

Operating from a van called Olive, owner Laurraine Veal is continuing to serve the communities of Dorset by travelling around towns and villages including Hamworthy, Bere Regis, Milborne St Andrews, Broadstone and Corfe Mullen.

With people self-isolating at home, Laurraine realised that there would be many who would prefer not to visit larger shops and supermarkets.

So, she’s continued with her usual stops while ensuring to work at a safe distance from customers. Customers are also observing social distancing rules as they queue up to buy goods from Olive.

Customers queuing - at a safe distance - outside Olive

Laurraine said: “Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, my customers – particularly those in more rural locations or who are most vulnerable – have been telling me that they are choosing to not go out to shop in supermarkets.

"They’ve said I’m a lifesaver by continuing to come to their towns and villages and are grateful that I am still operating.”

She continued: “I’m just really happy to help. My customers are able to get the food and essentials they need without putting themselves at risk by visiting busy stores or needing to travel, and more people are being introduced to the benefits of plastic and waste-free shopping.”

As well as selling many locally sourced food products and household goods, Laurraine is also making her own including fabric face masks which are selling well. Laurraine is a keen seamstress and runs another business selling clothing and accessories so it’s a side-line which seemed an obvious solution considering face masks are in high demand.

Laurraine said: “The whole idea behind Our Planet Zero Waste is that we want to be able to help more people shop the zero-waste way.

"Hopefully, those who are trying us for the first time during the pandemic, will carry on shopping plastic free after this is all over as every little helps.”